All 'bout Cars: BMW F01/F02/F03/F04

The BMW F01 is the current BMW 7 series that went into production in September 2008. The long-wheelbase model, codenamed BMW F02, is 14 cm (5.5 in) longer than the BMW F01.

It competes with the Audi A8/S8, Merc S-Class, Bentley Continental Flying Spur and the Maserati Quattroporte.

Initial release

The car was unveiled in the Red Square in Moscow (Russia) on 8 July 2008, and later in 2008 Los Angeles International Auto Show.

Early models include 740i, 750i, 730d, 740Li, 750Li. US models of 7 Series vehicles went on sale in early 2009.

730d, 740d, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760i, 760Li were added in 2009 as 2010 model year vehicles, with 740d introduced in autumn.

740d xDrive was added in September 2010. The optional comfort seats in the rear compartment are now also available in a three-seat version.

US models went on sale in early 2009. Early models included 750, 750Li (rated 400 bhp (300 kW) and 450 lb·ft (610 N·m)).

In 2010, the North American lineup was expanded with the V12-powered BMW 760Li, and the ActiveHybrid7. The ActiveHybrid7 is the first BMW with automatic transmission to feature an Auto Start Stop function avoiding idle speed operation of the engine when at a standstill or in traffic jams.

In the 2011 model year, the Alpina B7 and BMW 740i/Li were added. BMW initially did not have plans to sell the 740i/Li in the United States market; however they responded to requests from their American dealers who were impressed after test driving the Euro-market 7 Series. US models of 740i and 740Li went on sale in April 2010 as 2011 model year vehicle.

740Li Vantage

It is a version of the 740Li sold in Hong Kong market, which does not include TFT screens for the back seats, navigation system and comfort seats, and is HK$200,000 lower than the original.

BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid (2008)

The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid is a concept model that uses the engine from 750i, but adds an electric motor rated 20 PS (15 kW; 20 hp) and 210 N·m (150 lb·ft) torque. Electric motor is integrated into the transmission housing replacing alternator and starter. Other features include auto start stop, 8-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid system was based on the 2-mode hybrid from Daimler AG. The regenerative braking unit includes 12V Absorbent Glass Mat batteries, running in parallel to 120V electrical network for electric motor. BMW claims it improved fuel consumption and reduced emissions by 15% over the non-hybrid model, despite weighing 221 pounds (100 kg) more. The car's exterior profile was designed by Karim Habib, Team Leader, Advanced Design for BMW in Munich, Germany.

The car was first unveiled in 2008 Paris Auto Show, and later in 2008 Los Angeles International Auto Show.

Neiman Marcus Limited-Edition 2009 BMW Individual 7 Series (2009-)

It is a limited (31 units) version of 2009 BMW 7 Series Sedan for the US market, based on BMW 750Li, commemorating 31st anniversary of BMW 7 Series vehicles. Designed by the team at BMW Individual, it included Diopside Black metallic body colour, BMW Individual Champagne Merino full leather upholstery, interior Piano Black trim elements, BMW Individual steering wheel in Piano Black finish with wood ring insert and BMW Individual branding.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The vehicle went on sale beginning on October 16, 2008 through authorized BMW dealers, before the 2009 launch date.

760Li High Security and 750Li High Security (F03)

BMW has also announced the F03 7 Series as their High Security line, including the 750Li High Security and 760Li High Security. Both of them were certified with BRV 2009 and VR7 ballistics protection. The non-transparent sections have been certified as having VR9 levels of protection. This is the first set of cars to be granted such high levels of security. It included undercarriage armour, 6 cm safety glazing at multi-layer laminated glass

ActiveHybrid 7 (F04)

It included wheelbase increased by 14 centimetres.

ActiveHybrid 7 and a production model were premiered at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, and later in Monaco Yacht Show 2010.

US model went on sale in Spring 2010.

BMW 730Li (2009-)

It is a version of BMW 7 Series long wheelbase sedan for Asian market. It included a 2,979 cc (2.979 L; 181.8 cu in) I6 engine rated 258 PS (190 kW; 254 hp)@6600rpm and 310 N·m (230 lb·ft)@2600rpm, six-speed automatic transmission.

BMW Individual 7 Series Composition (2010-)

It is a limited version of BMW 7 Series with a choice of black or white body colour.

The vehicle was unveiled in Hamburg factory of Steinway & Sons, and later in Monaco Yacht Show 2011.

HSH Prince Albert II limousine (2011)

It is a limited (200 units) version of BMW 7 Series limousines supplied by BMW Group for the wedding of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. It included metallic black body, six-cylinder inline engine.

BMW ALPINA B7 (2010-)

Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH has produced the ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo performance variant, also known as the BMW 750i Alpina B7, for the F01/02 7 Series commencing with the 2011 model year. The Alpina B7's engine is assembled by hand at Alpina's facility in Buchloe, Germany, before being shipped to BMW for installation, and the assembled vehicle is then sent back to Alpina for finishing touches.

Alpina B7 BiTurbo (LWB)

Alpina's variant of the N63 twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 makes 507 PS (373 kW; 500 hp) / 700 N·m (516 lb·ft), while retaining the same fuel economy as the regular N63. This is the first time that BMW M and Alpina are using the same type of forced-induction for their powerplants; Alpina's engine has less horsepower but more torque than the BMW M5 (F10).

Alpina's modifications to the standard N63 include high-performance pistons and reinforced cylinder heads to withstand the additional stress from a higher compression ratio. A larger intercooler, with a 35-percent increase in surface area, is fitted to lower intake temperatures. An additional radiator lowers coolant temperatures, and external coolers are added for the engine and transmission oil. The electric fan is also upgraded to increase airflow through the new high-performance components. To move more oxygen through the engine, larger and lighter turbochargers (the vanes measure 44 mm in diameter) are fitted to keep the whole package running smoothly and Alpina engine management software increases boost to 14.5 psi (1.0 bar vs. the standard engine's 0.8 bar) and recalibrates both stability- and traction-control with more aggressive settings. The blowers exhale into three air-to-liquid intercoolers, an arrangement that helps maintain maximum airflow even during long lapping sessions at a racetrack. There is also a bigger (2.7-inch) dual exhaust system that vents gasses out the back through the rear apron.

A ZF six-speed automatic sport transmission with heavy-duty gears (taken from ZF's transmissions for trucks) is found in the B7. The B7 also features a choice of regular or long-wheelbase and/or rear-wheel drive or xDrive.

The 2011 Alpina B7 undercuts competitors such as BMW's own 2010 760Li (powered by a 6.0L biturbo V12 engine) and the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG (initially powered by a 6.2L V8 from 2007–10, updated for 2011 with a 5.5L biturbo V8). Although the S63 AMG's new engine is more powerful, the B7 still has better performance overall and is more track-oriented; indeed Autoblog found that the B7 could keep pace with a much smaller BMW M3 E92 Coupe.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2010 Chicago Auto Show, and went on sale in Spring of 2010. Production version went on sale as 2011 model year vehicle, which includes standard- and long-wheelbase editions.

BMW Alpina B7 xDrive (2010-)

The vehicle was announced in 2010 Chicago Auto Show, and unveiled in 2010 New York International Auto Show. Production version went on sale as 2011 model year vehicle, which includes standard- and long-wheelbase editions.

Equipment

Night vision
Head-Up Display,
Integral Active Steering (rear-wheel-drive)
xDrive (available for the first time on the 7 Series, for the 750i/Li and Alpina B7 in 2010+, and then the 740i/Li in 2013+)
Rear view camera,
Sideview (two cameras in the front bumper that look to the left and right)
Topview (of the two additional cameras in the exterior mirrors, the side-view cameras, reversing camera and sensors from the PDC to create an overall picture of the vehicle and its environment, and show it from the air) and
Speed limit display For this, a camera will check street signs with speed limits. These are displayed in the speedometer, as well as head-up display.

Beginning in autumn 2011, M Sport package option is available for BMW ActiveHybrid 7. BMW ConectedDrive is available. BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition includes additional visual and audible alerts to warn the driver even more effectively if pedestrians or cyclists are about to move into the car’s path. The new Real-Time Traffic Information function works in conjunction with a navigation system to give the driver extremely precise information on the traffic situation on motorways, country roads and selected city routes. The new Apps function allows reception of Web Radio stations and in-car use of online services Facebook and Twitter.

Engines

Petrol engines

Model	Years	Engine code	Power	Torque
730Li	2009-	N52B30	258 PS (190 kW; 254 hp)@6600	310 N·m (230 lb·ft)@2600
740i/Li	2008-	N55B30	326 PS (240 kW; 322 hp)@5800	450 N·m (332 lb·ft)@1500-4500
750i/Li	2008-	N63B44	407 PS (299 kW; 401 hp)@5500-6400	600 N·m (443 lb·ft)@1750-4500
750i/Li xDrive	2009-	N63B44	407 PS (299 kW; 401 hp)@5500-6400	600 N·m (443 lb·ft)@1750-4500
750Li High Security	2009?-	N63B44	407 PS (299 kW; 401 hp)@5500-6400	600 N·m (443 lb·ft)@1750-4500
760i/Li	2009-	N74B60	544 PS (400 kW; 537 hp)@5250	750 N·m (553 lb·ft)@1500-5000
760Li High Security	2009?-	N74B60	544 PS (400 kW; 537 hp)@5250	750 N·m (553 lb·ft)@1500
ActiveHybrid7 / ActiveHybrid7L	2010-	N63B44	449 PS (330 kW; 443 hp)
		electric motor	20 PS (15 kW; 20 hp)
		combined	465 PS (342 kW; 459 hp)@5500-6000	700 N·m (516 lb·ft)@2000-4500
ALPINA B7	2010-		507 PS (373 kW; 500 hp)@5500	700 N·m (516 lb·ft)@3000-4750
ALPINA B7 xDrive	2010-		507 PS (373 kW; 500 hp)@5500	700 N·m (516 lb·ft)@3000-4750

Diesel engines

Model	Years	Engine code	Power	Torque
730d	2008-	N57D30	245 PS (180 kW; 242 hp)@4000	540 N·m (398 lb·ft)@1750-3000
730Ld	2009-	N57D30)	245 PS (180 kW; 242 hp)@4000	540 N·m (398 lb·ft)@1750
740d	2009-	N57D30TOP	306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp)@4400	600 N·m (443 lb·ft) @1500-2500
740d xDrive	2010-	N57D30TOP	306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp)@4400	600 N·m (443 lb·ft) @1500-2500

Transmissions

Model	Type
730Li	6-speed automatic (ZF 6HP26 transmission)
740i, 740Li	6-speed automatic with Steptronic (ZF 6HP26 transmission)
750i, 750Li	6-speed automatic with Steptronic (ZF 6HP26 transmission)
750Li High Security	6-speed automatic
750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive	6-speed automatic with Steptronic (ZF 6HP26 transmission)
760i, 760Li	8-speed automatic with Steptronic (ZF 8HP transmission)
760Li High Security	8-speed automatic
ActiveHybrid7, ActiveHybrid7L	8-speed automatic with Steptronic (ZF 8HP transmission)
ALPINA B7	?
ALPINA B7 xDrive	6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic with Steptronic
730d	6-speed automatic with Steptronic
730Ld	6-speed automatic with Steptronic
740d	6-speed automatic with Steptronic
740d xDrive	8-speed automatic with Steptronic

Performance

The following performance figures are taken from the BMW 7 Series web site under 'Models and technical data.' The top speeds are electronically limited where noted with an asterisk.

Model	Drive	0–100 km/h acceleration (s)	Top speed
730Li	RWD	7.8	245 km/h (152 mph)
740i/740Li	RWD	5.9/6.0 (5.1 Car&Driver)	250 km/h (155 mph)*
750i/750Li	RWD, AWD (optional)	5.2/5.3	250 km/h (155 mph)*
750Li High Security	RWD?	7.9	210 km/h (130 mph)*
760Li	RWD	4.2	250 km/h (155 mph)*
760Li High Security	RWD?	6.2	210 km/h (130 mph)*
ActiveHybrid7/ActiveHybrid7L	RWD	4.9	250 km/h (155 mph)*
ALPINA B7	RWD	4.7	302 km/h (188 mph)
ALPINA B7 xDrive	AWD	?	?
760Hi/760HLi	RWD	4.6	250 km/h (155 mph)*
730d/Ld	RWD	7.2/7.3	245 km/h (152 mph)
740d	RWD, AWD (optional)	6.3	250 km/h (155 mph)*

The N63 twin turbo 4.4L V8 engine of the F01 BMW 750i/Li matches the performance of the previous-generation E65 760i/Li, powered by the naturally aspirated N73 6.0L V12 engine, while also having similar torque to the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, equipped with a naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 engine.

The V12 engine for the F01 760i/Li was redesigned as a twin turbo 6.0L (BMW N74) in order to maintain its status as the flagship of the range. The 2010 BMW 760Li is priced similarly and has matching performance with the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, however the 760Li is positioned more as a cruising limo while the S63 is a hardcore sports sedan. The BMW 760Li is also less expensive and faster than the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S600 (equipped with a 5.5L biturbo V12 engine). Unlike previous generations of the 7 Series, the V12 engine is now only available in the long-wheelbase model.

The N54 twin turbo inline-6 engine of the 740i, despite being down 85 hp (63 kW) and 120 lb·ft (160 N·m) to the 750i’s twin-turbo V-8, weighs about 100 pounds (45 kg) less. In a comparison test, the 740i could make the 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) run in 5.1 seconds compared to the 750i's 5.2, although the 750i catches up at 70 mph (110 km/h). Fuel economy of the 740i is 17 mpg city and 25 highway, compared with the 750i’s 15/22 and the ActiveHybrid 7's 17/26. Handling for the 740i/Li is improved over the 750i/Li due to a more balanced weight distribution (the 740i has 239 pounds less over the front axel). The BMW 740i is also quicker than some V8 flagship sedans such as the Hyundai Equus and Lexus LS 460 as well as the 2011 BMW 535i (powered by the single twin-scroll turbo N55 engine despite the 535i weighing 300 pounds less), while tying the 2011 Audi A8 4.2 FSI quattro.

2009 BMW 750i (F01) sedan (U.S.).

Production

BMW 740i and 740Li made up 10% of overall 7 Series sales in the U.S. (which is expected to rise up to fifteen percent in the upcoming years), while the 760Li had 2%. 70% of the 7 Series cars sold are the "L" long-wheelbase models.

Marketing

In the project "Mataró Chauffeur Service", BMW provides 7 Series vehicles for the taxi firm arranged by Spanish artist Martí Anson.

7 Series vehicles were used in the official opening of the historical stage of the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Russia.

12 black 7 Series limousines (from Freys Hyrverk) were used in 2011 Nobel Prize ceremony.

2012 update

Changes include

New full-LED headlights, a prominent BMW kidney grille and a modified front apron
New to the cockpit are the multifunctional instrument display allowing the driver to select a variety of information and the central Control Display with 3D graphics.
New Rear Seat Entertainment package.
New and upgraded engine variants.
Eight-speed automatic transmission is fitted as standard.
Advanced features such as coasting mode, proactive hybrid technology and the Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode.
Optimised chassis – with self-levelling air suspension at the rear axle – gives long-distance comfort a noticeable boost.
New Connected Drive highlights: latest-generation Professional navigation system, BMW Night Vision + Dynamic Light Spot, anti-dazzle LED High-Beam Assistant, BMW Parking Assistant, Driver Assistant Plus, Active Protection.

The 750i and B7 received upgraded versions of the N63 engine that add Valvetronic, while the 740i replaces its twin-turbo N54 with the N55 twin-scroll (single) turbo with Valvetronic. The ActiveHybrid 7 replaces its N63 V8 with the N55 inline-6. While the N54-powered 740i was only available in rear-wheel drive, the 2013 740Li with the N55 engine has optional xDrive.

The vehicles were unveiled in 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and later in Monaco Yacht Show 2012. The vehicles went on sale in July 2012.

US models went on sale in late summer 2012 as 2013 model year vehicles. Early models include 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750i, 750i xDrive, 760 Li, ALPINA B7, ALPINA B7 LWB, ALPINA B7 SWB with xDrive, ALPINA B7 LWB with xDrive. ActiveHybrid 7 L arrived in early fall 2012.

BMW ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo (2012-)

It is a performance version of 2013 BMW 7 Series Sedans. It included new BMW kidney grilles, updated Xenon Adaptive headlights, LED front fog lights, and updated tail lights, 21" ALPINA Classic 20-spoke wheels, stunning ALPINA Blue Metallic body colour, increased top speed to 312 km/h (194 mph) (310 km/h (193 mph) on xDrive models).

The vehicle was unveiled in Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August 2012 and went on-sale immediately thereafter. Early models include B7 Standard Wheelbase, B7 SWB with xDrive, B7 Long Wheelbase, B7 LWB with xDrive.

Canada models include only xDrive vehicles.

BMW 7 Series High Security (2012-)

It is an armoured version of BMW 7 Series with VR7 and VR9 resistance class.

The vehicle was unveiled in GPEC 2012.

V-12 25th Anniversary Edition (2012)